Recall -- Firm Press Release

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Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Issues Recall on Organic Black Peppercorns Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact: Consumer: 303-986-4600, ext. 531

Media: Alan Lewis (303)-986-4600 x108 alewis@vitamincottage.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 7, 2014 - Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., a Lakewood, Colorado based natural grocery chain, is recalling multiple lots of Natural Grocers brand Organic Black Peppercorns as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Consumption of products containing Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms) endocarditic and arthritis.

This recall was initiated after being notified of positive Salmonella findings in product supplied by Frontier Natural Products Co-op.

The recalled product is packaged in clear plastic bags with Natural Grocers label notating Julian pack on dates and pricing per pound. The lots identified by Julian packed on date include: 28-14, 13-14, 351-13, 336-13, 322-13, 305-13, 290-13, 281-13, 266-13, 252-13, 245-13.

The product was distributed to Natural Grocers 80 stores located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Consumers can find the specific locations of Natural Grocers stores at: http://www.naturalgrocers.com/store-locations.

Only packages bearing the Julian packed on dates listed above are subject to recall.

To date the company has received no reports of illness. Consumers who may have purchased this product should return it to the store for credit or refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling:

Customer Service 303-986-4600, ext. 531 Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time.

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